Following a Government proposal to reform the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), key sector bodies have called for the strengthening of climate policies in the planning regulations and a stronger integration between planning and transport policy.

A consultation on the plans, which closed on 10 March, sought views on restructuring the framework, stronger national policies on sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), measures to support SME developers and the introduction of spatial development strategies.

However, both CIHT and ADEPT have raised concerns. CIHT said there needed to be 'better alignment between planning and transport policy from the outset' and ADEPT argued in its response to the consultation that ‘greater clarity and refinement' were required in some areas.

Some of the key points highlighted by the CIHT include:

  • Strong integration between planning and transport policy
  • A clearer focus on locating development in accessible, well-connected places, with a genuine choice between walking, wheeling, cycling or public transport
  • Reducing long-term car dependence
  • Stronger recognition of buses as a key enabler of inclusive growth, social mobility and access to services
  • Ensuring that transport considerations apply to all development, not just major schemes
  • Clearer policy wording to avoid ambiguity
  • Greater emphasis on using DfT's Connectivity Tool to make locational assessments throughout the document, and stronger signposting of Manual for Streets to ensure it is used as a key point of reference in decision-making

Sue Percy CBE FCIHT MRTPI, chief executive of CIHT, said: ‘Planning and transport decisions cannot be treated in isolation. If we are serious about delivering sustainable growth, reducing emissions and improving quality of life, transport must be integral to how development locations are chosen and designed from the very start.

‘Too often, development is approved without the connectivity needed to support walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport, locking in car dependence for decades. A reformed NPPF must give local authorities the confidence and clarity to prioritise accessible, well-connected places and ensure new development works with the transport network, not against it.'

Angela Jones, president of ADEPT, also commented: ‘ADEPT welcomes the government's ambition to modernise the planning system and supports the clearer structure proposed in the draft NPPF. It is vital that locally led planning is maintained, ensuring national policy provides a strong and consistent framework, while still allowing local authorities the flexibility to respond to the needs, opportunities and constraints of their places.

‘We also welcome stronger national policy on sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), coastal change and naturalised watercourses, which will help ensure communities are better protected from surface water, coastal erosion and other flood risks.'

While she stated that ADEPT supports ‘the principle behind Spatial Development Strategies, improved clarity in Local Plans and proposals to raise standards in design,' she added that there were areas that required more clarification: ‘National mechanisms must avoid being overly rigid, evidence expectations must remain proportionate and achievable, and approaches to infrastructure and developer contributions must be flexible and deliverable.'

‘Climate and nature-related policies also need strengthening, where current wording could unintentionally limit local ambition,' she continued.

‘ADEPT is keen to work collaboratively with government to refine the NPPF to deliver stability, clarity and confidence for local authorities, developers and communities – supporting sustainable growth, climate resilience and well-designed, well-connected places.'